The legendary animated sitcom The Simpsons made its debut on December 17, 1989, with the pilot episode "Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire." The series became a cultural phenomenon and one of the longest-running TV shows of all time. The groundbreaking series influenced every animated sitcom that came after it.

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The world has changed dramatically since the series first hit the airwaves. Of course, The Simpsons has changed even more over the years. Indeed, a lot changed after the first episode aired in the late 80s. The iconic series made significant changes that soon became a fixture on the show.

Evolving Animation

Matt Groening first created The Simpsons for The Tracy Ullman Show in the mid-80s. The series introduced legendary catchphrases and more. Of course, it had a bit of a rocky start. Groening admits he drew out some quick sketches assuming the animators would clean them up in production.

However, they traced over Groening's drawings creating the original crude images. The series still hadn't found its animation groove well into the first season. The characters are still in the early stages, and their appearances continue to evolve. The show went on to create several innovations in animation and production.

Lisa The Trouble Maker

Lisa Simpson is the polar opposite of her rebellious older brother Bart. Lisa's a straight A-student with a bright future. However, the original idea in the pilot episode differs significantly from her current character.

In the first episode, the writers planned for Lisa to be a little trouble maker like Bart. She has a similar attitude as Bart and enjoys causing a bit of mayhem. Lisa also displays some of her most famous traits, such as her intelligence.

No Lenny Or Carl

Homer Simpson spends most of his time with his best friends at Moe's Tavern. Two of his closest friends are Lenny and Carl. They don't have a significant role in the series but always leave an impact.

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However, neither Lenny nor Carl appears in the first episode of the series. Lenny first appears in episode 9 and Carl in the following episode. Of course, Homer still enjoys his time at Moe's, but it's different without Lenny and Carl. They would soon join the series and become inseparable.

Barney's Hair

The residents of Springfield all have very distinctive appearances. The show is famous for its unique look and approach to animation. However, in the first episode, the series was still searching for its identity. In the episode, Homer's best-friend Barney is the only character other than the Simpsons family with blond hair.

Of course, the producers wanted to give each character distinguishing appearances. Later, the writers decided that only the core family members should have blond hair. Therefore, the animators changed Barney's hair color in the following episodes.

No Itchy and Scratchy

The Itchy & Scratchy Show is one of the most popular TV shows in the town of Springfield. Of course, the show is immensely popular with the kids. The fictional cartoon plays a significant role in the series. However, it doesn't appear in the first episode.

The famous cartoon first appeared later in the season. Instead, Lisa watches The Happy Little Elves in the pilot episode. The elves appear again in the series but are for a younger audience. Regardless, there are many popular shows in Springfield.

A Different Moe's Tavern

Homer orders a drink from Moe

Springfield has several iconic landmarks, such as The Simpson family home, The Nuclear Power Plant, and Springfield Elementary School. However, they all pale in comparison to Homer's favorite bar, Moe's Tavern. It's safe to say the series wouldn't be the same without Moe's Tavern or Moe.

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Homer's been hanging out at Moe's for 32 seasons and counting. In the pilot, Moe's Tavern has a different layout and set up. In later episodes, the bar began to take on its distinctive look. Also, Moe looks slightly different, as well. Initially, the bar had a more basic look before the animators put more detail into the tavern.

An Early Ralph Wiggum

The Simpsons A Early Version Of Ralph Wiggum

Ralph Wiggum is one of the most popular supporting characters. He became a significant character in his own right. Ralph's last name might not be Simpson, but he's certainly a star of the show. In the first episode, the school puts on a Christmas concert featuring a familiar face.

A boy that resembles Ralph makes a brief appearance performing in the school show. The boy looks similar to Ralph, although he sounds nothing like the character. Rumors suggest this boy is an early version of Ralph.

Ned Flanders Single

Ned Flanders and his two young sons Rod and Todd debut in the first episode. Of course, the writers hadn't fleshed out the supporting characters yet. Ned appears to be a single father since there's no reference made to Ned's wife, Maude.

Maude appears in the following episodes, but her character passes away several years later. Maude's tragic passing was a significant moment in series history. Ned ends up being a single father for most of the series, which might have been the plan in the first place.

Homer's Not Homer

Homer J. Simpson is a cultural icon and essential to the series success. Of course, Bart garnered a lot of attention early on, but Homer stole the spotlight. Homer became the dim-witted and angry yet lovable dad. However, the character has evolved over the years.

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In the pilot, Homer's not quite the Homer that fans grew to love. He's still a bit more serious, and the voice isn't quite there yet. Regardless, in a few years, Homer became a breakout star in the show.

No Iconic Opening Credits

The Simpsons sit on their couch and watch TV

The Simpsons' unique opening credits helped set the show apart from the rest. It follows each member of the family as they journey home from work, school, and shopping. Of course, the credits feature the iconic chalkboard and couch gag. Indeed, both are synonymous with the show.

However, the first episode doesn't include the opening credits or the two famous gags. Instead, the pilot starts with the title of the episode flashing across the screen. Matt Groening added the extended opening credits to the second episode so they could cut down on animation.

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